Olea europaea

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Olive, Edible Olive

 
Plant photo of: Olea europaea
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme        Photographer: 1. Roy Wiskar

 

Description

This broad tree will slowly grow to 25'-30' tall and wide. It has small, grey-green, evergreen leaves. Small white fragrant flowers bloom in spring, followed by fleshy black fruit that appears in fall. Fruit is messy and can stain sidewalks. There are cultivars that do not produce fruit. Some folks are allergic to the blooms. This tree is very long lived, with a beautiful gnarled trunk. It prefers full sun and low watering in summer months (twice a month) and none during the winter, when established.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

25-40'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

Black

 

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Allergenic, Messy

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, Patio, Park

 

Special Uses

Shade Tree

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.